(NAPSA)—When it comes to treating the weight gain associated with type 2 diabetes, there may be a communication gap between physicians and patients. Almost all physicians say they tell overweight patients to lose weight, but just over half of patients with type 2 diabetes say the discussion is taking place, according to a new survey recently announced by the Behavioral Dia- betes Institute. According to the survey, eight in 10 physicians say they discuss weight issues with their patients, yet only half as many patients— four in 10—report having that dis- cussion. This is a dangerous precedent, as more than 7 percent of the U.S. population has type 2 diabetes and more than 60 million Americans are obese. “Every day, more evidenceis found linking type 2 diabetes and weight gain, and the communications disconnect between physi- cians and patients can make weightloss efforts even more difficult and frustrating than they already are,” said William Polonsky, Ph.D., CDE, founder and Tips To Help Type 2 Diabetes Patients Manage Their Weight: Talk to your doctor about your current diabetes treatment regimentofind outif your medications may be impacting your weight—getthe right combination of weight managementtools fo start living healthier. Work with a dietitian who specializes in treating patients with diabetes to develop a realistic weightloss plan. Adjust your home environmentso thatit supports, rather than sabotages, your weight loss efforts. Educate your loved onesand friends about diabetes and how they can better support you. @ ated with many diabetes medications, and report communicating this critical fact to their patients. However, only 34 percent of diabetes patients polled claimed to have any knowledge that their diabetes medication could cause weightgain. While talking about weight can chief executive officer of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute. be a tough conversation, it can be worthwhile to bring up the subject betes and weight gain: Many of may help manage diabetes more betes medications can cause heart disease and lower blood Doctors agree that a vicious cycle exists between type 2 dia- the most commonly used diaweight gain, but excess weight with your health care professional. Losing even a few pounds successfully and reduce the risk of pressure and cholesterol. can interfere with successful treatment of the disease. This behavioral strategies for success- Physicians understand the betes Institute Web site at makes the survey results even more troubling. potential for weight gain associ- For more information about ful weight loss and diabetes management, visit the Behavioral Dia- www.behavioraldiabetes.org.
